“Go well. You gave us love, go well”

Tributes in honour of Mama Salome were full of praises of her as a mother to many who welcomed everyone and played a special role of taking care of freedom fighters.

And President Lungu said that she occupies a special place in the history of Zambia and the story of liberation struggle. He narrated his last encounter with Mama Salome when he visited her at her farm and inspired by what he shared with her described Mama Salome as a mother, mentor and counsellor.

He urged mourners and all Zambians to emulate her. President Lungu also described the family of Salome and her late husband as one that promoted the motto of One Zambia One Nation given the intermarriages in the family.

President Lungu remembered how when he was growing up some families would discourage their children to marry from other tribes and hastened to mention that it was not the case with the Kapwepwe family. The fact that she continued to live among her people in Chisala has been described by Mr Lungu as a sign of humility and a deep sense if loyalty to her people. “Go well. You gave us love, go well”, said President Lungu who was occasionally seen trying to hold back tears but nearly broke down as he concluded his remarks causing dead silence among mourners.

Speaking earlier former President Rupiah Bwezani Banda recounted the warmth, love and care he enjoyed from Mama Salome and her family. He revealed that he was interviewed by the husband of Mama Salome and recommended for a scholarship as part of the programme to educate further leaders during the freedom struggle.

And Dr Kaunda commended President Lungu for making possible for all the former presidents to join the mourners with him to give Mama Salome a befitting sendoff. Dr Kaunda urged President Lungu to continue with his kindness and spirit of embracing everyone.